Show and Tell - Product Reviews
By Allegra and Brandy
Show and Tell is a fun feature of our magazine which showcases knitting or crochet-related products, as well as handcrafted products for children. A limited number of products are reviewed personally by Brandy or Allegra for each issue, to ensure that each product is evaluated with the utmost time and care. If you are interested in having your product reviewed, send it to us! We'd love to check it out.
Knitterella Gift Tags
www.knitterella.comJill Zielinski, the creator of Knitterella stationary for knitters and crafters, has released a collection of Holiday tags as well as super-cute "Sweet Baby" tags for handknit baby items.
The tags are beautifully made with wonderful care directions on the back. Her regular collection of tags come with a sense of humor: "I made this especially for you. Even if you don't like it please act like you do!", "Just because it's handmade doesn't made it was cheap", and "Of course I made it, hope you like it. After all the time and thought I put into it, you better!"
The tags come 6 to a pack and are very reasonably priced at $3.95 per pack.
Signature Needle Arts Circulars
www.signatureneedlearts.comI had the extreme pleasure of trying out a pair of size 5 Middy circulars from Signature Needle Arts. Circulars are their newest product and I must say it was a very luxurious experience. The cables are soft and flexible, and has a memory resistant feature which I imagine will help keep the kinks out.
The needle itself is created from a precision-crafted, lightweight aluminum. The middy tip has a refined point and would work very well for lace knitting. It was refreshing to work with a slightly sharper then usual tip, and it seemed to make my knitting go faster. It was a rare luxury to have the opportunity to knit with these lovely needles. Signature Needle Arts most certainly lives up to its name and their needles are the perfect gift for that special knitter in your life, or a treat to yourself for finishing that very large mens sweater with lots of cables, that only took you two years to knit.
The Que ® Theo SECURE Circular Needle Case
www.dellaq.comI hoard circular needles like a mad women. I have far too many and can never find them. The biggest issue of course is labeling them. I've tried the little connectors you can stick onto the circular, but I lose them. I tried buying needles that had the size written on them, but they faded. I was frustrated as there didn't seem to be any sort of solution.
Enter the Della Q Circular needle case: with its lovely little needle size labels attached to each sleeve. Even better, the case is made from a soft silk fabric and comes in a wonderful array of solid colors, which I simply adore. This way it can compliment more then one of my knitting bags or my purse. If you are a lover of all things fabric and you like to sew, you can purchase matching fabric and sew up something complimentary! I was surprised to learn Della Q offered fabric by the quarter or by the yard. Good taffetta silk is hard to find, and Della Q uses the best.
Heel: Foot cream for feet worthy of hand-knit socks
Heel is the newest product to come from the experts at Soak. They have whipped up the perfect combination of cucumber extract, Vitamin E and the soothing powers of menthol to give your feet a pick-me-up. Besides the lovely scentless original, they also have a delicate and cooling cucumber and a rich and soothing spearmint. Any of the choices are bound to leave your feet happy (and greaseless!) and worthy of all of those beautifully knit socks.
Craftsanity Magazine
I have been a long time fan of Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood and a devoted listener of her postcast, Craftsanity. I was beyond thrilled when Jennifer decided to join our magazine quarterly with her column, Crafting Sanity. Now she has turned her passion for all things handmade into a publication, both in print and in digital form! I had the opportunity to see the magazine prior to it going to the printer and wow, I am impressed. Not surprised, as I love everything Jennifer does, but it's quite impressive to see so much wonderful handcraft goodness in one sitting! There is something for everyone in this issue: great stories, interviews, knitting patterns, yummy recipes, crochet, embroidery, a paper doll and really cute gift tags. Oh my goodness the list goes on! Sewing, book reviews, everything a crafter could want. Really. The magazine will be published quarterly and both the print version and electronic version can be purchased directly from Jennifer's site at www. craftsanity.com. Bravo Jennifer! We look forward to seeing what more is in store for your publication.
Scandinavian Stitches: 21 Playful Projects with Seasonal Flair
by Kajsa Wikman
Stash Books
US $22.95
This book is adorable. Kajsa Wikman has put together a collection of sewing projects that are full of color and charm. They are inspired by the seasons in Scandinavia. As Wikman herself is from Finland, she is inspired by the first flowers of spring, the warm colors of the maple leaves and the smell of the sea and fish. Wikman gives great advice for getting started, becoming inspired and how to design applique. She is thoughtful and thorough with her suggestions, inviting even those of us that are brand-new to sewing to feel comfortable. In fact, she's a bit of a cheerleader and offers a section called "I just don't get it!" where she gives some solutions to some typical problems when you are frustrated with your project progress. The projects are categorized by season, starting with Winter. She includes a quilt, quilted basket and a cute pillow. Spring brings us some smaller projects like bird ornaments,mini art quilt, and an adorable gardening angel with gardening shed. Summer brings us some easy good-for-beginner quilting projects evoking summer homes and nature. Fall brings us warm, rustic colors found in coasters, wall hangings and a sweet scarf. Wikman also includes a Yule section with adorable projects to make for the winter holidays.
One thing that really resonated with me in this book was Wikman's dedication of sorts to her children. She says "If it weren't for my children, I would probably still be looking for my deep artistic expression. Having children helped me realize that sometimes scratching the surface is enough to find your creative flow." I think that is beautiful, and this book has shown that ten-fold.
Baby Blueprint Crochet: Irresistable Projects for Little Ones
by Robyn Chachula
Interweave Press
US $21.95
First we were graced by Robyn Chachula's brilliant crocheted designs in her book Blueprint Crochet. Now she's a new mama, and she's back with a fabulous book, Baby Blueprint Crochet. Robyn uses Symbol Crochet for her designs, creating visual aides for crocheters. I find her diagrams and symbols to be very visually appealing as well as helpful. She delves into many different crochet techniques, including crochet applique, colorwork, sculptural crochet, Tunisian and combining stitches. Robyn has a background in Architectural Engineering and worked as a Structural Engineer before becoming a full time designer. You can see these influences in her designs, even in how she breaks down each pattern: Plans, Details, Construction and Finishing. Let's talk a bit about the projects! Now that Robyn is a new mother, she focuses on easy-to-wear, no fuss, but still fun and original designs. This book has a nice variety for both boys and girls garments as well as great accessories. The Joni Jumper is adorable and versatile for growing girls. The top-down Leah pullover is great, with a nice wide opening for the little (or not so little) noggins. The Pea Pod Slider Slippers and Popsicle Boots are just too cute! Why buy an overpriced pair of Baby Uggs when you can create your own? I think that Robyn is innovative in her construction and designs, while still down to earth and realistic about what little kids will wear. This book is a must-have.
The Black Apple's Paper Doll Primer
by Emily W. Martin
Potter Craft
US $19.99
When I found out that Emily was coming out with a book devoted to paper dolls, I pretty much squealed and marked my calendar for it's release. I have been a huge fan of Emily's work (you can find all of her prints and other whimsies at her shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/theblackapple) for years now, as my daughter's walls are decorated with her prints and we have numerous cards around the house. Emily's style can be considered quirky, sweet and just a little dark. Her imagination is truly brilliant in my opinion and she allows you to free up your own creativity. The Paper Doll Primer, includes activities and amusements for the "curious paper artist". She has included so many wonderful characters for you to play with and dress up, including many options of wigs, fancy footwear, masks, you name it! She also includes sets and instructions for the Black Apple Theatre, how to make your dolls stand, and even jointed dolls. Everything you could ever want when creating your paper doll fantasy! Emily mentions at the beginning of the book that she believes that beautiful things are made to be used (like drinking from your prettiest teacups every day). Therefore you are to cut away and enjoy! Personally, I think I would buy a second copy: one to play with, and one to enjoy looking at. But that's just me!
Warm Knits, Cool Gifts
by Sally Melville & Caddy Melville Ledbetter
Potter Craft
US $22.99
After their popular debut as mother/daughter collaborators in Mother-Daughter Knits, Sally and Caddy have returned with a truly beautiful collection of knits intended for gifts. They celebrate the holiday season and cold weather with knits for everyone on your list: babies and children; sons, husbands, boyfriends; and plenty of women's garments and accessories. The book includes "Flatter & Fit" tips throughout, offering tips on how to make the garment fit perfectly. All of the projects in this book are wonderful, but there are a couple that really stand out to me. The very first project in the book is the Blended Baby Blanket. Oh my goodness. A gorgeous log cabin-esque blanket knit out of Malabrigo Lace. Sally chose a gorgeous color palette for this blanket, and what baby wouldn't love to be bundled up in glorious Malabrigo. Scratch that, what person wouldn't love it?! This project is definitely on my to-knit list, even if it's for myself! The Christmas Morning sweater designed by Caddy is also a favorite. A beautiful cozy cowl neck sweater knit from Sublime Kid Mohair. The cowl is knit separately so one could enjoy just the cowl if they wanted. Another adorable project is the Mini Einstein Coat, a miniature version of Sally's very popular coat from her book, The Knit Stitch. This is a beautiful book, destined to be on shelves of all knitters libraries.
Craft Corps: Celebrating the Creative Community One Story at a Time
by Vickie Howell
Lark Books
US $17.95
The wonderfully prolific Vickie Howell has authored an incredibly inspiring book, bringing together 30 influential artists, designers and business people to share their work, their influences, and their craft community.
The book was inspired byStory Corps, an audio project heard on National Public Radio that collects and archives stories told by "everyday" people. Vickie took this inspiration and had the opportunity to interview wonderful artists and designers such as Mary Englebreit, Jenny Hart, Faythe Levine, Jay McCarroll, Shannon Okey and Amy Butler, just to name a few.
These interviews or "craftographies" as Vickie likes to call them allow us to see into these creators everyday lives. Also included in the book are profiles of another 60+ crafters, both recreational and professional. Vickie has done a tremendous job putting this book together and sharing with us her love of the crafting community as well as instilling in us the inspiration of all of these talented artists.
KnitWit: 20 Fun Projects for Beginners and Seasoned Knitters
by Katie Boyette
Sellers Publishing
US $18.95
We are happy to bring you this book, KnitWit, by Katie Boyette, as Katie was one of our first designers in our very first issue of Petite Purls. In fact, we are thrilled to see that Jacques Crusteau (our issue cover design) also made the cover of this book! Katie is a very talented designer of toys and other 3D objects.
The book is full of cute and quirky projects including adorable owls, Rosie the elephant and Mr. Abomidable. Other cuties (or creepies, depending on your style) are the ninjas and a Vampiric Panda.
One of the best things about this book are the clear helpful photographs that show how to put the toys together. We congratulate Katie and hope to see more books from her in the future.
Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts
by Martha Stewart
Potter Craft
US $35.00
Martha Stewart has put together a fabulously comprehensive visual reference for those who are new to sewing as well as those who have been sewing for years. The book covers everything. You can find basic concepts such as knowing your fabrics, your basic supplies, the anatomy of the sewing machine.
The reader takes a journey through basic techniques of sewing, applique, dyeing, embroidery, printing and quilting. The second part of the book is an amazing array of projects (over 150!) that use all of these aforementioned techniques and more.
The book comes with a CD which includes full-size clothing patterns and templates that can easily be reproduced on a home printer.